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May 6, 2004, Two Days in Ndawana, by Jessica
Pam, Jessica (Pam’s daughter) and Colleen are our newest volunteers. They arrived here on April 30th, and we all went to a community meeting, called by us, on May 2nd. Here are Jessica’s notes in her journal from that day and the one that followed. Jessica just celebrated her 21st birthday.
What a day . . . I’m beginning to see why I’m here. Today was our first trip to Ndawana. The village is like what I had expected. It hurts my heart to see people living in such tiny, cold and sometimes unsafe places. You would never be able to tell if all you saw were their smiles. . .
I fell in love with Phelelani and his blow-up crown. He is a “role model for the world” and a worthy candidate for the “Prince of Canada.” His kind eyes and strong words will take him so far in life.
I fell in love with Sibusiso and how he taught me to say “the horse is galloping” even before “hello.” I fell in love with Mrs. Mohlaodi and her obvious strength. Behind her eyes is so much wisdom. A woman named Gloria invited me into her home before she even knew me. How could someone not fall in love here?
Khali’s uncle is dying. One can only assume that here in South Africa he is another victim of AIDS. Lying in a dark square room with no doors, no windows, just an opening, his body shakes. He has been laid down on a single-size mattress and there are lace veils covering his face. He cannot speak, nor move, but his ragged breaths and water-filled lungs say “pneumonia.” He is surrounded by people paying their respects to him. They thank us for visiting. The only “medication” he may receive tonight is a bottle of “Energy-Booster” we sent with some ladies outside the tiny grocery store in Underberg at Khali’s request. In South Africa he is left to suffer through his pain. His name is Mike. He is 35 years old.
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